Wigan’s Haigh Hall to become a boutique hotel

PLANS have been announced to turn a stately home in Wigan into a 30-bedroom, four-star boutique hotel.

The £6million conversion of the historic country house, built in the first half of the nineteenth century, will be funded and undertaken by Contessa Hotels.

It’s one of a series of moves just announced by Wigan Council in a £12 million masterplan to turn the hall and surrounding park in to a top visitor destination.

The Grade II* listed property was built by James Lindsay, 7th Earl of Balcarres, and was used to provide care to injured soldiers during the first and second world wars before later being bought by the local council.

Cllr David Molyneux, deputy leader of Wigan Council and cabinet member for the economy, said:

“Today is probably the most exciting day since the council bought the hall almost 70 years ago. The plans we have unveiled will put Haigh on the list of the top visitor attractions in the North West, creating jobs and restoring the hall for future generations to enjoy. We are delighted to be working in partnership with a top quality organisation such as Contessa, they have a great track record of lovingly restoring buildings such as Haigh Hall and we’re excited about what they have planned.”

Craig Baker, Director of Contessa Hotels, said:

“We are delighted to be part of such an engaging and unique project as Haigh Woodland Park. The building is steeped in history and we are excited about restoring Haigh Hall and transforming it back to its very finest, truly opening the doors to its adoring public 365 days a year. Haigh Hall is such an iconic structure in the region and we look forward to introducing the Hall to our Contessa portfolio.”